Hi everyone, I'm back.

[Guest_4643]

Hi everyone, mb20lover here. I wasn't sure where to post this.

It's been a while since I was on the forums, so I just wanted to make a post saying that I'm back. However, I'll try my best to limit my time, comments, etc on here.

I won't bother tagging anyone, and I'll try to keep this as my only open thread that I have created.

I've missed everyone I've spoken to on here, and I hope to talk to some new people. I have been using my offline supports - my Psychiatrist, GP, Parent support of course, and a Social Worker. I'm in the process of finding a Psychologist but I'm having no luck.

Anyway, I just wanted to pop in and say hello, and also I hope I haven't upset anyone on the forums or anything like that because nothing was intentional, so I deeply apologise.

An update on me, I recently turned 21, can't do much with COVID though, it's a hard year for everyone unfortunately.

I also have a milestone, an achievement, I've been seeing my Psychiatrist for a year which is the longest I've stayed with a therapist. And I also finally have a GP I feel comfortable with. I'm on different meds that seem to be working a little but I still of course have my moments, but these meds I've been on the longest for out of any of the ones I've tried.

Other than that, please don't feel pressured to comment anyone, although it would be nice to connect with some people, old or new, but like I said that's okay. I just wanted to check in.

If you've read this and made it this far, thank you. Stay safe and take care everyone, as much as possible with the unfortunate COVID circumstances.

Thinking of all the Beyond Blue Mods & Users. I've missed everyone.

- mb20lover.

[AliasKind]

Hi Sleepy21 Just wanted to let you know that's really great advice you gave, with examples. So helpful, thank you for being so generous.

[Guest_1643]

Thank you so much AliasKind - really appreciate that. You provide amazing support here.

Tayla I love Eddie Vedder, great taste!

Do you like his solo album from the movie Into the Wild?

[Guest_1643]

Hey Tayla - I'm sorry over the holidays is a hard time for you - I just read your earlier reply sorry I didn't see it earlier.
I appreciate you explaining your situation.
I think legally they have to provide someone to replace themselves when they are away (not sure if that applies to summer break) - my therapist was on leave for a few days but she announces all the dates at the beginning of the year and it's on all her invoices - when she goes on leave. She then has a list of support services which you can call.
I find that very soothing and am glad she does that. But I've also seen ones who were more vague about when they go away and to be honest I think it's not the best.
No one will think you are pushy - you are likely his least pushy patient I would imagine. Some doctors work in this more passive way and only the pushiest patients will get the attention - just because the doctors are very busy etc. So it's very possible that all the effort you're doing, his other patients may do to get hold of him, and that is how they get the attention required.
I would support you calling and emailing as much as you need to - as your questions are your legal right to know, and he would know that. He can't get angry at you and if he does then he's not the right person for you.

I know you really love your pyschiatrist but tbh a few thngs you've mentioned concern me. When he sees you for less are you billed for the full time? Even if it's bulk billing, the item no would show what fee he charges although it is covered by the government.

He should give you notice if the session is running late and I'm glad you said that upset you - really amazing strength you showed for someone so young. Good for u.

I think you've done so so much to find a psychologist and should be proud of all you've done.
I think it might be good to have someone on your team who is a bit accessible, I think u've done the best to find someone, though.
I find it weird that the psych can't recommend someone though. I know you live in regional vic but maybe you could ask him if he knows a psychiatrist in Vic (as he's in sydney) who can se you either when he's away or to help you find a psychologist. It's not offensive to him - it could help to have a second opinion

[Guest_4643]

Hi all. I'm sorry for my late replies, it's been a busy & traumatic day. We got home and found my Mum fell over, she's been unwell for a while. We don't know what happened. So I had to call an ambulance. Everything just gets worse for me. I want to speak to my Psychiatrist but I don't think I'll be allowed to, or my GP (I feel more comfortable with my Psychiatrist) so I guess I'll just have to suffer. I asked the Ambos about what happens when you call for Mental Health & they said Triage, but they said it's very bad at my local one (and trust me, I know, they refuse to help me even with a referral & I don't know why).

Sleepy - thank you. I haven't listened to his solo album or watched that movie yet but I will at some point. It's through Medicare so I don't pay. The sessions usually cost the same amount. I don't have an issue with him. He doesn't know my area so he can't find a Psychologist for me, I understand that. He's tried.

Hi Katy, thanks. And thanks AliasKind.

[Jstar49]

Hi Tayla,

Sounds like another tough day. Also sounds like you are your mums main support...? You must be worried about her. Is anyone else at home with you?

What can you do to self soothe right now?

I have a bath when I'm overloaded. Even if I don't stay in long, the hot water melts me and then I can collapse on the couch and zone out to a movie or whatever. I usually have some nice essential oils which I use too.

Journalling always helps me too. Theres something about writing stuff down, even if it doesn't make sense. Plus it usually unlocks my emotions, which ALWAYS helps me.

Hope you can stay well and look after yourself. I hope your mum is ok and that the doctors can help her.

Take care T,

J*

[Guest_4643]

Thanks Jstar.

I live with both my Parents so my Dad is here with me. I'm very reliant on them. I'm scared. I called the hospital and they told me she's having tests, I wanted to know if she's ok. I just want to speak with her. They told me she has a collapsed lung. We don't know what caused it. She's had a lot of health issues over the years so I'm sort of used to it but haven't processed it if that makes sense.

I think I'm off for the night, I may check back later, because of insomnia, and reply. Sorry I'm blunt, just very scared and depressed right now. This year has been SO bad for my parents & I. Infact the last 3 years we've moved up here has been.

[Matchy69]

Hi Tayla I am so sorry about your mother with a collapsed lung .I know how scarey that would be for you as when I was about 13 my dad had a hole in his lung and had to be taken to hospital in the middle of the night.I stayed home to and didn't sleep at all that night and then mum came home in the early ours of the morning and told us he will have to stay in hospital for awhile.I went to school that day and could only think about my dad and if he was ok.
I hope your mum will be ok.
Thinking of you,
Mark.

[Guest_4643]

Thanks Mark, I'm sorry to hear about that too. Thinking of you also. Sorry my reply is short, I'm half asleep so I'll check back later. My Dog slept with me in his bed, normally he sleeps with my Mum, and I made sure I put him outside a few times in the middle of the night but I was wide awake anyway. All I can think about is her too. I'll reply properly later, sorry. Just so tired

[Guest_4643]

PS - I sent an email to the Telehealth company I see my Psychiatrist through, asking if I can see him before next month, even if I change my appointment next month to a later date. I'll check later if they've replied. I doubt I'll get to though, I can't get in to see my GP for a few weeks, plus leading up to Christmas. They're only having a few days off though. Normally my Psychiatrist sees me, I just wrote that I'm struggling after a traumatic event which happened last night, I didn't say. And the nightmares. Fingers crossed it can happen but I doubt it. If not I'll have to struggle, of course I'll be here but sometimes professional help can help. Speak to you all later, I need more sleep

[Jstar49]

Hey Tayla,

thinking of you today.

Take care,

J*